GOODWILL AMBASSADORS FOR COHESION, INTEGRATION AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

INTRODUCTION

Pursuant to its mandate, the NCIC has nominated distinguished Kenyans of integrity to serve as Cohesion and Integration Goodwill Ambassadors for Kenya. In nominating the Goodwill Ambassadors, the Commission exercised its power as enshrined under Section 26 (1), (c) which states that the Commission may enter into association with such other bodies or organizations within or outside Kenya as it may consider desirable or appropriate and in furtherance of the purpose for which the Commission is established; and Section 31 (1) that states “The Commission may, by resolution either generally or in any particular case, delegate to any committee of the Commission or to any member, officer, employee or agent of the Commission, the exercise of any of the powers or the performance of any of the functions or duties of the Commission under this Act.

Role of the NCIC Goodwill Ambassadors

NCIC Goodwill Ambassadors will complement the role of the Commission to promote cohesion, integration and peaceful coexistence as well as inspire broad, positive and committed action in support of Commission's mandate and priorities as provided for under Sections 25 (2) (c), (e), (g), and (n) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008 as follows:

25(2) (c) promote tolerance, understanding and acceptance of diversity in all aspects of national life and encourage full participation by all ethnic communities in the social, economic, cultural and political life of other communities;

(e)Promote respect for religious, cultural, linguistic and other forms of diversity in a plural society;

g) Promote arbitration, conciliation, mediation and similar forms of dispute resolution mechanisms in order to secure and enhance ethnic and racial harmony and peace;

(n) Lobby and advocate for policy, legal or administrative reforms on issues affecting ethnic relations;

Selection Criteria

NCIC Goodwill Ambassadors shall:

• Be persons of integrity and have demonstrated a strong desire to enhance, understanding, appreciation and support on cohesion, integration and peaceful coexistence as a well ability to reach out to significant audiences, including top decision makers;
• Possess widely recognized talent in the sectors that include academia, entertainment, business, religion, sports or other fields of public life.
• Exemplified or enhanced cohesion, integration and peaceful coexistence in his /her work and life.
• Have not actively engaged in politics and have no desire to run for a political office.
• Possess the personality and dignity required for such high-level representative capacity;
• Be influential beyond their ethnic group/community; thus having the ability to promote the object and values of the NCIC nationally and internationally;
• Be knowledgeable about NCIC’s goals and activities and be able to articulate them.

Selection and Nomination Process

• The Chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission will appoint Goodwill Ambassadors after the approval by the Commissioners via full Commission meeting. A letter of nomination shall officially be issued by the Chairperson of Commission.
• NCIC Commissioners and Staff members do not qualify to be nominated as Goodwill Ambassadors.
• The nominees will serve for not more than 3 years in order to maintain the value attached to the nomination and to further ensure substance and reciprocity in the engagement.
• The NCIC is responsible for establishing specific terms of reference for individual Goodwill Ambassadors.

Ethical Code of Conduct

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Goodwill Ambassadors’ Code of Conduct provides an ethical framework for the decisions, actions and behaviours of those nominated as Goodwill Ambassadors. These include:

• Respect the impartiality and independence of NCIC and to refrain from any conduct that would adversely reflect the Commission;
• Refrain from any activity incompatible with the purposes and principles of NCIC;
• Exercise good judgment and discretion in all matters relating to the performance of their functions for NCIC;
• Obtain guidance on their specific activities from the Chairperson of NCIC and/or the any person assigned to liaise with them.

Terms of Service

• NCIC Goodwill Ambassadors shall be nominated for a period of three years, renewable, based on mutual agreement by the Commission and the individual nominee.
• NCIC Goodwill Ambassadors are volunteers facilitated by the Commission to enhance cohesion and integration in the country and therefore; they shall not be paid any salary.

Communication and Information

• NCIC shall ensure that the special skills, experience and talents of all nominees are well utilized for the benefit of the NCIC, and that nominees are provided with regular and appropriate guidance on their activities on behalf of the Commission.
• NCIC shall facilitate communication regarding the involvement of Goodwill Ambassadors in appropriate field-level activities and events.
• NCIC shall maintain an updated list of NCIC Goodwill Ambassadors and shall ensure that all changes in the status of nominee are communicated in a timely way.

Termination

• The nominee of the NCIC Goodwill Ambassador shall be terminated if, in the view of NCIC, the nominee is unable or unwilling to carry out the role envisaged in the terms of reference; if the Goodwill Ambassador engages in any activity incompatible with his/her status or with the object, values and principles of NCIC; or if the termination is in the interest of the NCIC.